July - like being on a rollercoaster

The month of July started well and it ended well - but I wasn't overly impressed with the bit in the middle!

It started with the loop walk round Loch Leven on Saturday 1st July. Tig and I started at Kirkgate Park and met Dave and his Dad at Findatie. We walked together round to Kirkgate Park. It was a lovely sunny day and there were lots of people on bikes, on foot, walking dogs and enjoying the day.

I was hopeful that July would bring plenty of miles and maybe a few Munros too. However the weather hasn't been great, my mindset hasn't been so great either, and we were car-less for half of the month after an unfortunate collision with a deer.

So maybe the month hasn't exactly gone to plan. But I'm trying to stop 'planning' so much and just go with the flow. Let it be. Each day is a gift and although some may be bad, many many more will be good - or even great!

And that's exactly how the month ended. With some absolutely brilliant days, and quality family time. My Granny turned 90, and my brother and his wife were back from France for 9 days. We had some great get-togethers, and the girls even managed a relaxing trip to Stobo which is always such a treat.

Last week I took the train from Stow to Elgin and joined my brother, sister-in-law, my Uncle and other family members for a few days in Hopeman, where we spent the most fantastic childhood holidays. It was the perfect chance to get away from the things that had been getting on top of me. My anxiety comes with me wherever I go but changing the scenery around me (such as a walk, a hill, an adventure) helps immensely.

One of the things I was most looking forward to was swimming in the sea - it's something we always did on our trips to Hopeman as kids. I love wild swimming but there isn't enough of it in my life. I love the calmness I feel swimming in the sea or in a river. On Thursday evening, as the sun was setting, I took my chance. It was a beautiful evening and - until I nearly touched a jellyfish - I was in my happy place.

I went back in on Friday morning which was the perfect way to start the day before the train journey home.

There was also golf and walking, revisiting old haunts and reliving childhood memories, lovely food and great company.

It was just what I needed.

Yesterday Tig and I, along with Ross and Willow, took part in the Dog Jog in Edinburgh. It was my first run in a long time, and although it was a challenge (running around Arthur's Seat is a somewhat hilly route!) it was great fun. Running with dogs was a first for me, but they both loved it and could have gone on and on I'm sure. Tig and I both have a medal to show for our efforts, which I'm really chuffed with!

I'm a bit sore today so maybe this isn't my return to running...or maybe I should persevere.

If July has taught me anything, it's to stick in and keep going.